Kilkenny roundabout being adapted to facilitate transportation of wind turbine blades

A roundabout in South Kilkenny is currently being adapted to facilitate the transport of large wind turbine blades.

That was the update relayed to the elected members of Piltown Municipal District following a query from Cllr Ger Frisby.

Area Engineer Stan Cullen informed elected members that Belview Port is 'becoming a hub' for the transportation of wind turbine blades and that the works will help facilitate the movement of these blades to infrastructure projects across the country.

Both Slieverue Roundabout and nearby Luffany Roundabout are scheduled to be adapted for this purpose.

The roundabouts are located on a vital spur of the national road network as they connect the Belview Port Road (N29) to the N25 Waterford bypass and the wider motorway network.

Cllr Ger Frisby welcomed the works, noting that previous movements of wind turbine blades in the area had 'caused issues' and 'damaged the roundabout and kerbing'.

"It's good for the port and for local business," he said.

Area Engineer Stan Cullen also stated that the transportation of wind turbine blades 'will be subject to a blue light garda escort'.

It was also highlighted that such movements would be done outside of peak traffic hours, so as to limit the impact on traffic flow.